Cedar Grove Police Blotter

The following reports were prepared by the Cedar Grove Police Department and do not necessarily indicate convictions.

On Monday, Jan. 9 police arrested a Little Falls man on charges relating to the possession and distribution of the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) marijuana.  The arrest of the 18 year-old defendant, Jeremy C. Ahn, followed a Narcotics Bureau investigation into information that the defendant was selling marijuana in the Township.  On the date in question at 4:00 p.m., while conducting a surveillance detail at the Burger King on Pompton Avenue, Narcotics Officers observed what appeared to be a drug transaction between Ahn and a second individual.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of Ahn after he was found to be in possession of several small bags of marijuana.  The second subject, identified as 18 year-old Michael J. Capobianco of Cedar Grove, was also arrested after he was found to be in possession of single small bag of marijuana, believed to have been purchased from Ahn.  Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed on their respective charges.  Ahn was released pending a Superior Court Arraignment and Capobianco was released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  Lt. Joseph Cirasa and Ptl. Jose Rodriguez were the investigating officers.    

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On Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 4:56 p.m., police arrested a Newark man on a charge that he was operating a motor vehicle while his NJ driving privileges were under suspension.  The 24 year-old defendant, John K. Lopes, was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  Ptl. Jose Rodriguez was the arresting officer.

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On Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 5:29 p.m., police responded to the intersection of Grove & Ozone Avenues on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer.  A subsequent investigation revealed that the involved vehicle, a 2011 Hyundai, was traveling south on Grove when the deer ran into the roadway resulting in a collision.  The vehicle sustained reportable property damage and the deer was killed in the crash.  * Due to the large deer population in the area, motorists are urged to use caution when operating near wooded areas, especially between dusk and dawn.

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On Thursday, Jan. 12 at 5:55 p.m., police responded to an Emory Court residence on a report of an intrusion alarm.  Upon arrival, officers discovered that the home had been forcibly entered through a rear door.  A subsequent investigation revealed that the home had been burglarized and the suspect(s) had left the scene prior to police arrival.  The detective bureau responded, processed the scene for physical evidence, and is now conducting a following investigation.  The homeowner reported that an undetermined amount of jewelry had been stolen.  During a canvass of the area, a neighbor from a nearby street reported that on the previous day he observed an unknown male subject walking up his driveway.  When he engaged the subject, the man stated that he was looking for an Emory Court address.  The subject, described as a white male, possibly Hispanic, left the area in a champagne colored Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).  At the present time, it is unknown if this person or vehicle was involved in the burglary.         

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On Friday, Jan. 13 at 12:23 a.m., Lt. Erik Hansson initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing an occupied suspicious vehicle in the Chase Bank parking lot on Pompton Avenue.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 26 year-old vehicle operator, John R. Esposito of Cedar Grove, after he was found to be operating with suspended NJ driving privileges, in addition to being wanted on outstanding warrants issued by the Cedar Grove and West Orange Courts.  Subsequent to arrest, Esposito was also found to be in possession of several items of drug paraphernalia (glass pipe, used glassine envelopes) and two hypodermic needles.  The defendant was processed on all charges and turned over to the West Orange Police on their warrant.

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On Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2:56 a.m., police arrested a Clifton woman on charges that she operating a motor vehicle bearing a suspended NJ registration while her NJ driving privileges were under suspension.  The 24 year-old defendant, Melissa A. Burtis, was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  The defendant’s vehicle, a 2009 Nissan Altima, was impounded.  Ptl. John Smigelsky was the arresting officer.

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The Cedar Grove Police Department requests that the public report all suspicious activity observed, as it occurs.  The police department telephone number is 973-239-4100 and in case of emergency 9-1-1.  All reports are investigated and all assistance is appreciated.

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.